Sheffield regeneration scheme praised by local MP

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Dec 5, 2006

Places for People is piloting an innovative and affordable solar panel heating system that provides hot water to households and helps slash soaring energy bills.

Meg Munn, the Minister for Women and MP for Sheffield Heeley, has praised an award winning regeneration scheme in Sheffield for its range of services including helping people step onto the property ladder, and providing a range of innovative elderly care services.

The Labour MP visited two Places for People developments at Norfolk Park, in the south of the city, to view homes which use the latest solar panel technology, and visit residents at an extra-care scheme for older persons.

Norfolk Park is a mixed tenure regeneration programme of 141 new affordable homes available for rent and shared ownership.

A further 157 new affordable homes on five further sites are set to get under way in the near future.

It is also home to Guildford Grange, an 'extra care' facility for 80 elderly people.

In 2004 the regeneration project received the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's (ODPM's) Sustainable Communities award.

Places for People is also piloting an innovative and affordable solar panel heating system at Norfolk Park that provides hot water to households and helps slash soaring energy bills.

If successful the Group will look to install the panels in 3,500 homes across the UK.

Meg Munn, MP for Sheffield Heeley said: "I am extremely impressed with the work being done by Places for People in my constituency.

They are helping to transform Norfolk Park, which is undergoing huge regeneration.

Having spoke to residents of Guildford Grange and the occupants of the new greener housing I am confident that with organisations such as Places for People, Norfolk Park will continue its redevelopment as a sustainable and attractive location for people to live in".

Mary Parsons, Development Director at Places for People said: "Norfolk Park is a fantastic example of how to create a vibrant and sustainable community, where people can access a wide range of high quality affordable housing and other community services such as elderly care.

The interest in our new homes has been fantastic and it is satisfying to know that we are helping local people take that first step onto the property ladder.

"Places for People has made a long term commitment to Norfolk Park and we will continue to work closely with local residents, the council and other partners to ensure that we develop homes and care services that best serve the local communities and which are attractive and environmentally friendly." Places for People has over 3,200 customers in the Sheffield area and offers a range of care and support services and affordable homes for sale and rent.